“Will do
Daffy,” Charlotte smiled, “and one last word according to Caroline he fancies
himself as a ladies’ man.”

“Oh what I do
for the company darling,” Daffy drawled in a fair imitation of Mandy Carrow.

“come on Black
One – This is for a greater cause.”

“Yeah yeah –
get them to lift a bar for me…”

Whitehall

“Looks like the
next team heading down,” Jane said as she looked at the monitor, and then went
back to the task in hand as Francesca checked the other cameras.

Inside her
head, Francesca prayed that she would not be forced to kill again. Her promise
to herself was not something she really wanted to break, her reason being there
was simply to ensure Carlotta’s safety. Still in her mind, Francesca found
herself wanting the answer to the question no professional killer ever asked of
another one…

“Why did you
start in this line of work?”

She knew very
well why she had taken assassins training, it was to punish and humiliate
herself, but why had Jayne, who to all appearances was this quiet woman
creeping up very gently on middle-age, become a killer, especially one as
notorious as the White Mamba? Francesca tried to remember what had been in the
file she had seen on the Mamba. It was sketchy, her identity unknown, but she
was feared for her unique specialty in killing her victims with snake venom.
How did this identity match to the woman sitting in this van with her, who
along watching all the screens, was knitting what looked like a scarf.

What about some
of the others? There was a veritable aristocracy of murder assembled for this
job, why had say Sudden Death become a professional killer? And what of a mere
child almost like the Swan, who in her other life was such a famous young
fashion designer. Why was she a cold-blooded killer?

“You’re asking
the question aren’t you?”

Francesca
looked over at Jayne, who was smiling back at her.“I know the one – and we all probably have a
different answer.For you, it was duty,
true?”

She smiled as
Francesca nodded.“I was a postgraduate
doing research into antitoxins when a good friend of mine was an innocent bystander
in a gangland shooting.The perpetrator
who did it managed to get out of the charges, and I saw red – literally.So I sneaked some cobra venom from my place
of work, went to the nightclub he was celebrating at, and slipped it into his
champagne.

“I watched him
die – but someone else was there, a – well, an agent for a certain group.He approached me, offered me a position – and
the White Mamba was born.”

Francesca shook
her head.“It’s often the way – we slip
into it and by the time we realise…”

"There are
just so many lines in that movie that apply to what we do." Louise Carling
giggled. "Kirk Douglas is just so bitingly witty as Lomax."

"Ladies, I
know that you are getting bored, but concentrate please."

"We are
Red One."

Under Whitehall

“Welcome Gold
One,” Penny said as the last group of women arrived.

“How is it
going?” Juliette asked Penny.

“Other than
complaints about sore muscles, pretty well.”

“Is Gold 20 set
up?” asked Maddie.

“Yes,” Juliette
smiled, “she has our full communications and security net set up down here.”

“Does she still
get to do her share of the lifting,” Katy asked as she stood with her hands on
her knees.

“Yes.”

“Good I’d hate
she missed out on this pleasure.” Katy laughed.

“I heard that
Gold Nine,” Doc’s voice was heard.

“I hoped you
would.”

“Okay – next
team on, Maddie your team take point, Gold Seven to Ten – well done.Get some rest.”

"So this
was once Whitehall station?" Shirley asked as she looked round.

"It
was," Penny smiled, "It hasn't seen this much activity since before
World War Two."

"I can
believe that," Catriona brushed herself down, "isn't there a better
in other then via that sewer?"

"Not that
is as discreet."

"Gold
team, please clear away from the tracks," Charlotte's voice came through
the ear pieces, "I'm going to test putting power through that third
rail."

"Roger
that Blue One." Shirley replied. "Everyone out of the way."

As they stepped
back, everyone listened to the low hum that started, and then stopped.

“Thanks – be
careful for a little while now…”

"I've been
doing some quick sums in my head Gold One," Doc said as she walked over to
Shirley, "and I think we maybe underestimated considerably how much gold
there is here...Now I may be wrong..."

"But she
rarely is," Annie laughed.

"But we
might be tight pressed to get this out in two nights."

“I agree – but
we do our best.Gold 2 – ETA for the
train?”

“Should be on
their way to the depot now…”

Midnight BST

Earl’s Court

Lillie Bridge Depot

Steve Fowler
walked across the empty yard to the control building, looking nervously round
as he walked into the control room.The
grey haired man inside looked round, and said “oh god – Leeza?”

Steve nodded as
he said “you as well?”

“I got a call –
they have Beth, said to wait for someone to come, then there would be a
call.You’re the someone?”

“I am Jack – so
what…”

Steve took out
his cell phone and said “yes?

“All
right.”Looking at the supervisor, he
said “we’re to open the gates.Company
is coming.”

“Steve, what
the hell is going on?”

“I’m not sure,”
Jack said as he put on his jacket, and got his keys, “let’s find out.”

The two men
walked to the front gates of the yard, Steve watching as Jack unlocked the
gates before they opened them – and then found themselves covered by two armed
and masked women, who took them to the sides as a number of trucks drove in.

“Thank you
gentlemen,” one of the women said to Jack, “two of us will watch the gates
now.Come – we need to explain your
role.”

Midnight BST

The Liberal Club

"Do you
always keep a couple of changes of clothes in your car Lady Davina?" the
slim blonde haired girl said as she slipped into a dress.

"Well with
the extraordinary things we are sometimes asked to do in Madame's service
darling, I find it to be very practical Selena." Daffy said as she
adjusted her neckline.

"I'm
supposed to be working as a 'cleaner' tonight, why am I doing this with
you?"

"Well I'm
doing it because by chance I happen to be a member of that place, and you are
accompanying me because you speak Russian, and I don't."

"So what
is all this panic about?"

"This man
that the call the Weasel is a lower level Russian Mafia type, and while he has
proved useful in the past, with what is going on tonight his sudden appearance
has made a few people curious."

"So this
is just an 'eyes on' job?"

"And a
listening job for you as well.Ready?"

“As I will be,”
she said as they stepped out of the car, Daffy locking it as they made their
way to the entrance.

"Daffy
dear," an elderly man said as he kissed her on the cheek after they walked
in, "we don't often see you in here. Where's Jimmy tonight?"

"Well,”
Daffy said with a smile, “I was having a girls’ night out with friends, but
Selena here was complaining about the vodka, and I happened to remember they
serve the real thing in here."

"So you
aren't here to talk politics?"

"Nigel,”
Daffy said in a reproachful voice, “you know me better than that."

"I
do," he smiled, "and I know that while you do hold political views,
like a true lady you never discuss them in public."

"Yes,"
Davina smiled, "anyway Nigel Dunbar meet Selena Murskaya. Selena meet one
of the dinosaurs who make programming decisions at the BBC."

"Good to
meet you," Serena thickened up her Russian accent.

"Charmed,"
he kissed her hand, "and this must be Russian night and no one told me,
there are two or three of your countrymen in here."

“Indeed?How exciting,” Selena said, “can you point
them out to me?Perhaps I know them.”

“Over there,”
Nigel said as he pointed to where the Weasel was talking to a group of three
men.

“No, no I do
not recognise them – come Davina, show me this vodka.”

The two women
walked to a nearby table, Daffy ordering drinks as Selena listened.

"So what
are they talking about?" Daffy eventually asked.

"Something
about can we trust the Japanese, and that the ship is ready to go from
Lowestoft." Selena whispered.

"So that's
what Tanaka is up to eh?" Daffy spoke softly, "she's done a deal with
the Russians."

"I think
so."

"Look I
need to head out to the car and tell the network is going on, can you stay and
listen for ten minutes alone?"

“Go,” Selena
said as Daffy slipped out to her car, and dialled in.

“Green One,
this is Red Two – patch me through to Gold One.”

A moment later,
she heard Shirley say “this is Gold One – Gold Six is in as well.”

“It appears
Tanaka has done a deal with Russian parties to have a boat ready to take things
out from Lowestoft.”

“Makes sense,”
Dominique said.

"So what
is the Weasel's role in all this?"

"Probably
his normal one as a facilitator putting people together Red
Two." Dom spoke, "He will have been the go-between that Tanaka
used to pass messages to the Russians, and then he'd deliver their
replies."

"So should
I kill him?"

"No,"
Shirley spoke.

"Roger
that, but why not?"

"Because
I'd rather have him alive to interrogate in the morning.Maintain contact, and when he is free, invite
him for a visit – gently."

“Roger that,
Gold One, Gold Six – will advise…”

Earl’s Court

Lillie Bridge Depot

Jack and Steve
watched as a grey van pulled up to the main building, two more masked women
escorting out a blindfolded man.When
the blindfold was taken off, one of the women said “you know what to do?”

“We’ve been
told,” Jack said.

“And you know
what happens if you do not cooperate?”

“Do they have
your families as well,” Richard Norman said as he looked at the other two, both
of them nodding in reply.

“Right, you
nice compliant arsefuckers,” the second woman said, “lead us to the transport.”

Jack nodded as
he unlocked and opened the side door, then went with his escort to the main
entrance as Steve walked with Richard and the others to an empty train.

“Very nice –
get in,” the second woman said to Richard as they went into the driver’s
cabinet, the first woman getting in with some others in the first carriage.

"So what
am I supposed to do?" Steve asked as the main doors opened.

"Your job
Steve, just your job." one of the masked women spoke. "You just have
a routine night both today and tomorrow and your wife will be returned safe and
unhurt."

"What the
hell is this all about?"

"Oh let’s
just say we have needs of a work train and leave it at that shall we?"

"Where the
hell am I supposed to be going?" Richard asked as Miss Lynx glanced at her
device.

"Don't
worry I'll tell you when to stop."

"But what
about the signals?"

"Let me
just say that we have control of those shall we?"

"Just
remember Richard,” Miss Leopard said, “this lady is a complete psychopath, she
doesn't give a damn if your family live or die. She actually gets off on
killing and torturing people. So just be a good boy, and I'll promise I will
try to restrain her."

"Just
don't hurt dem."

"Well
remember their life is in your hands," Carina giggled as the train moved
off.

The Bunker

"They are
underway Hand."

"Good
Charlotte, any last minute unforseen events?"

"Doesn't
seem to be."

"Alright
inform Gold One that the train is on its way, and give her and her people due
warning when you need to electrify that rail."

"Will
do."

“We really do
need find out how our associates are planning to get the stuff out?” Juliette
whispered to Shirley, “what if I’m wrong and that Tanaka has no plans to hit us
at all, but she’s going to take it as it’s being transported for delivery?”

“I must say the
same thought had crossed my mind Gold Two, especially if they thought that
precautions would be relaxed after we do what we’ve always assumed would be the
difficult part,”

The Babbage Residence

It is said
writers, composers, artists keep a pad or book by their bed in case a thought
comes to them in the night, and they have to write it down, lest they forget
it.In DCI Mike Babbage’s house, however,
the only book by the bed was Sherry’s novel – as Mike discovered when he
suddenly opened his eyes.

"CRAP!"
he said as he sat straight up in bed, "why am I so dim sometimes?"

"What?"
Sherry fought to open her eyes.

"I've
worked out what this is all about."

"Again I'll repeat my question....What?"

"This damn
crime wave, it's actually just a distraction designed to get us chasing our own
tails, while something else happens."

"And you
had to wake me to tell me that?"Sherry
turned over as Mike got out of bed, and went downstairs, to organise his
thoughts...

The Liberal Club

"So are we
going to get involved in lifting the Weasel?" Helen asked, "he knows
me of old you know, if he sees my face he will run like hell."

"Negative
Red Two, you just maintain watch leave this with the team already in situ
please."

"Roger
that."

"You want us to do a snatch?" Daffy asked.

"We are
sending transport to help you," Charlotte's voice replied.

"How do we
isolate him?"

"If I need
to explain then you are an impostor impersonating one of us." Charlotte
laughed.

"Okay do I
need put on the black stockings?"

"Negatory,
according to what I understand the man thinks he is irresistible to women, just
flutter your eyelashes."

"Roger
that," Davina laughed, so when do you want him outside?"

"Give us
twenty minutes to get the transport arranged."

"Can
do."

"So?"
Selena asked as Daffy rejoined her.

"They want
us to lift him," she nodded discreetly to indicate the Weasel, "as
quietly and unobtrusively as possible."

"How long
do we have?"

"Transport
should be here in twenty minutes."

"So I
presume it's a 'seduction'?"

"That's
our orders."

"Well it
shouldn't be hard, he's been giving me the eye since you went out."

"Okay
darling, you do your thing, and I'll quickly go scout our best way to get him
out of the building." Davina stood and left the bar again.

Selena turned,
crossing her legs as she watched the Weasel out of the corner of her eye.He was eyeing her up and down, as he finished
his discussion and shook hands with the other men, and then walked over.

“Good evening –
where has your friend gone,” he said as he stood by the bar.

“Doubtless she
will be back soon – you sound as if you are visiting as well.”

“Some business
to take care of – but it is over for tonight.My name is Viktor – and you are?”

“Selena – so,
Viktor, you are a businessman?”

“A
facilitator,” Viktor said with a smile, “I bring interested parties
together.What do you do?”

“Oh I’m in
insurance – it can be boring, but it has some interesting moments.”

“I can imagine
– so, may I buy you a drink?”

“Vodka – the
good stuff?”

“They only
serve the good stuff here,” Viktor said as he signalled to the barman.“Two please.”

“So,” Selena
said as she accepted her drink, “where can a girl go to have a good time in
this city at this time of night?”

“Oh I know of a
place – if you are interested?”

Glancing to the
side, Selena saw Daffy nod as she said “why not – is it far?”

“We may need to
take a black cab – shall we step outside and see?”

“Why not,”
Viktor said as he followed Selena out to the front, and a black cab pulled
up.Holding the door, he said “after
you?”

“Thank you,”
Selena said as she got in, and Viktor followed – only to look as the door was
pulled from him, and Daffy got in.

“A
threesome?You didn’t say my dear?”

“Well, it’s
more we need to talk to you,” Daffy said with a smile.

“Oh?”

“Or rather,”
she said as she pulled out a gun from her handbag, “Dominique does.Sit back, Mr Koslov, relax…”

12.45 am BST

Under Whitehall

As Richard
drove the train slowly out of the tunnel, he was stunned to see the women, all
masked and wearing black, and the brightly lit platform.

“Good – stop
here,” Miss Lynx said, waiting as the trains topped before she pulled his arms
behind his back and used a zip tie to secure his wrists, then made him sit down
before she gagged and blindfolded him.Pressing a button, she heard the doors of the carriage open, before she
joined Miss Leopard.

“Gold One, Gold
Two – your carriage awaits.”

“You heard her
ladies,” Shirley called out, “start loading…”

“How is the
driver,” Juliette asked Carina.

“Good and
scared – got a volunteer to guard him while I do my share?”

“Gold eight,
take point,” she called out as Eleanor watched over the driver.Carina and Diana made their way to where Jo
and Abby were moving the gold bricks onto a palate.

“Good lord - how
much is there here,” Carina whispered.

“Who knows –
but get to work…”

1.30 am BST

Whitehall

"So what
are you doodling kiddo?" Marina asked as she looked away from the monitors
for a few seconds.

"Oh just
some more ideas that just looking at people in the street give me."

"Anything
good?"

"You know
I'm really not sure," Kylie took her glasses off and wiped them. "For
APCO we design clothes that are made to be worn, and that suggest a certain
class and elegance. What I'm doing here I hope still has some of that style but
it's designed to be worn by younger women who want to look a bit more 'street'
then 'salon'."

"So it's
not Kanye West type stuff?"

"Darling,
go wash your mouth out," Kylie laughed as she put her glasses back on and
looked at the monitor. "Is that that same copper?"

"It is,
and I wish he'd find something better to do with himself then to keep walking
up and down."

"Well I
suppose this is Whitehall darling, it reassures people to see a visible
presence at all times?"

"Yeah well
I'm not worried about he sees up here, it's what he might hear up here through
say that ventilation shaft that worries me."

"Well we
just keep an eye on him." Kylie turned her attention back again to her
sketch pad.

“Red One, come
in Red One.”

Kylie and
Marina looked at each other as they heard Natalya say “I hear you Red Two –
problem?”

“Nosing round
the sewer entrance – please make sure they are found somewhere a bit more
remote.”

2.30 am BST

Under Whitehall

"Well?"
Shirley whispered in Penny's ear as they watched another palette being loaded
onto the train.

"I'm
keeping an eye on the weight distribution,” Penny said quietly.“I knew gold was a heavy metal, but there is
just so much of it and we have to make sure that not everything rests on say
one or two axles."

"And it is
that kind of expertise that means I rely on you so much," Shirley smiled.

“A little
further down – good…”

"So all
going to plan Blue One?" Madame turned her com back on.

"Seems to
be," Charlotte's voice came online, "looks like a rather routine
night of maintenance on the London Underground."

"Well let’s
just hope that it stays that way."

"Amen to
that." Charlotte replied.

"So any
news on our Japanese friend?" Juliette asked.

"Negative
Gold Two, our friend is safely back in her bedroom, and to be honest it looks
like she's in for the night."

"Gold
Twelve, have you had any news from your friends?" Shirley asked.

"No, only
that they are all set to receive all this at the designated time."

"Which is
approaching fast?" Juliette glanced at the watch she wore, "we have
to get this to the rendezvous, unloaded, then back to the depot before the regular
service starts."

“How long?”

“Thirty minutes
top.Gold Twenty?”

“Don’t ask me
how,” Doc said, “but I reckon we have about half on the train.”

“Well, a good
night’s work then.Gold Twelve, you go
with Gold Three and prepare the driver.”

3 am BST

Whitehall

"Next time
I say anything rude about the fuzz doing stakeouts you have my permission to
kick me."

"We do Red
Ten?" Marina spoke.

"If this
is typical of what they do then bloody well yes, I've never been as bored in my
life as sitting here watching the entrance to a tube station."

"Well it's
not for much longer," Natalya came on, "Gold team is just clearing up
for the night."

"Alright
you stay sleeping love," Mike spoke as he lay there in the dark. "If
I'm right who has the resources, and the people to do this much just to cover
up an even bigger crime?"

Sleep was
useless, so he got up, put on a dressing gown and went to the kitchen, making
himself a tea and sitting down to think.

"So who could be doing something really, really big.Madame X?" he speculated to himself, she
was certainly the biggest player in London's gangland, but surely even she didn't
have the power to do all this without outside support.

“No – either
she is uniting the families, and that is not her style, or she had brought
in…Oh shit.The Americans."

The thought
came rushing into his mind as he said, "she's called in the bloody
cavalry." Mike shook his head, if what he'd heard about the ruthlessness
of those rumoured to be her American allies, it would certainly explain the
blood that had been shed.

“The Pussycat
Gang – here in the UK?That does not
bear thinking about… So what was so big
a target that she could tempt the cream of American armed robbers over the
pond?The Crown Jewels?"

The policeman
gave himself a mental shaking, "that is ridiculous...besides if she did
steal them where would she fence them?"No this had to be something very large, but something that could be
turned rapidly into cash.

"The big diamond company?" he asked himself, "no even a regiment
of commandos would find that a hard nut to crack, and it's not like the
diversions have been small robberies in themselves...Think Babbage what is
there in this city that would tempt such a coalition?"

As he thought,
he made notes, but nothing seemed to make sense."Had that idiot Bennett known something?
Was that what got him whacked?"

It was a definite possibility, but how might a bent cop like him have stumbled
onto something this big?

Did all this,
the kidnappings, the murders, the robberies have any common theme?He made a note to look when he got to work,
and went to make more coffee…

4 am BST

Whitehall

"Reds
Fifteen to Eighteen are you ready to take the day shift making sure no one
comes poking their nose in?"

"Roger
that Red One, we are on site and ready to take up our positions once the last
member of Gold team leaves."

"Well
remember that you'll be in direct touch all day with the bunker."

"We
understand."

“Okay all
groups – stand down and enjoy the down time.Back tonight.”

“Stop there,”
Miss Leopard said as Richard slowed the train where a fleet of lorries was
waiting, large groups of men standing by.Opening the doors, he watched the small masked woman as he heard Chinese
voices, and trucks were backed up to the train itself.

“What about my
wife and girls?”

“Don’t worry –
we’ll make sure you have some close personal time as a reward…”

"Okay who
is driving to Windsor with me first thing? asked Catriona.

"I will
darling," Ju said, "are you be fit to race?”

"Give me a
couple of hours sleep Mom, after all it wasn't me last night, I was just
relaxing."

“All unloaded –
we will ensure it is on the way to the Honoured Father in the hour,” one of the
men said as the vans drove off.

“Excellent –
make sure the train is returned and wiped, and all three are taken to join
their families,” Juliette said, Diana nodding as she went with Carina.

Friday 15th July

6 am BST

Rose’s flat

Rose walked
quickly into the front room, wrapping her dressing gown round herself as she
picked up the handset.

“Hello?”

“Hey mum –
everything all right?”

“It is - So
you're okay luv?"

"I am Mum,”
she heard Susan say.“Other than me
bleedin' back screaming like hell because of all the liftin' I did, I'm
fine."

"So are
you goin' to 'ave a sleep?"

"Gonna try
get a few hours Mum, if Clint and his bloody snorin' don't keep me awake."

"Well that
I can't 'elp you wiv luv." Rose laughed, "but don't worry about me
an' April, I'm gonna take 'er in so the kids can spoil 'er."

"Well have
good luck with the dresses Mum, I'll call yer later."

"Alright
luv, talk to yer then."

"So 'ow is
she?" Maeve came in with two large mugs of tea.

"'Urtin
like 'ell she says, but nuffin bad seems to 'ave 'appened."

7 am BST

The Farm

“There – isn’t
that better?”

Richard groaned
into his wife’s damp panties which now filled his mouth, black tape wrapped
tightly round his head as he lay bound cross-eagled on the bed.His wife was between his legs, her mouth
clamped over his erect penis and held there by tape round her head and his
waist, her arms bound in a reverse prayer behind her back and her ankles tied
to her wrists.

The girls were
lying on a second bed, shaking as the double headed dildo once more drove them
both over the edge as they looked into each other’s eyes.Miss Panther stepped out, closing and locking
the door as Tracey passed.

“Give them some
time.”

“Roger that
Gold Four.”

“the others?”

The two women
walked to the monitor room, one showing Steve as he held his wife, the other
Jack with his older wife.

“Who’s the
bloke?”

“A man I need
to talk to,” Dominique said as she drank her coffee, “once I have finished.”

“Hey!What’s going on here?”

Viktor walked
round the room, banging on the door as he passed each time – but a she went to
hit it again, he was surprised to see it open, an armed guard staring at
him.What scared him most, however, was
the tall dark haired woman standing behind her.

“Hello Weasel,”
she said as she came in, the armed guard closing the door and watching, “it’s
nice to see you again.”

“My dear
Dominique,” Viktor said with a smile, “it is a real pleasure to see you again,
but I do think the invitation was a little forceful – a call to meet over
cocktails would have been more welcome.”

“Well, if it
was going to be a social call, I would have done so,” Dominique said with a
smile, “but I am afraid this is a business matter.I need to know what you were talking to those
men about in the Liberal Club last night – a ship in Lowestoft?”

She smiled as
she sat down, Viktor rubbing his chin as he said “ah – well, that is a rather –
delicate matter.I regret to say I
cannot tell you, save to assure you it has nothing to do with any operations
Madame may currently have underway.”

“And you can be
certain of this because?”

Dominique
smiled as Viktor looked at the open door, and stood up as the tall, dark haired
woman wearing the dark glasses came in, wearing a dark Versace pant suit and a
cream camisole.

“Not to the best
of my knowledge,” Madame purred as she walked in, “but I do hope we meet again
after today.The chances of that,
however, depend on a few things…”

“Such as?”

“Well,”
Dominique said, “why are you arranging for some of your Russian contacts to
have a ship ready at Lowestoft?”

“Well…”Viktor was then gasping as Dominique walked
over and punched him in the stomach.

“Viktor, I have
some respect for you, but believe me when I say today is not the day you want
to try and get away with small talk.The
boat!”

“All right, all
right,” he gasped as he sat down.“It is
a private commission – one of the families wished to arrange for some
containers to be – added to a consignment.I was negotiating the rates with the boat owners.”

“And the family
is?”

Viktor looked
at Madame as he said “If I speak, I die.”

“If you do not
speak, Silent Death will join us.Who
are they?”

Viktor looked
at both women, and then said “I need to call them, and if you were to listen
in?”

9 am BST

Dorney Lake, near Windsor

"Get much
sleep Ju?" Shirley asked as she eased herself into the seat next to her
friend in the viewing stands.

"Some,
what about you?"

"A couple
of hours. What about Carina?"

"She's
wonderful," Juliette shook her head, "I swear that she does somehow go
to sleep while The Beast takes over, it’s the only explanation as to how she
can be so peppy the next morning."

"If it
could be done safely,” Shirley said as she sipped her coffee, “I'd love to know
what a psychiatrist makes of her."

"And to
meet you," Cari smiled, "and if it was a tactical error it was mine
I'm afraid."

"No I
think you called it right,” Karin said, “they were just slightly better on the
day."

"Well, I
hope US Rowing is impressed by the girls if not by their cox."

"Oh I
think they have noted all three of you."

"We will
see...Hey Mom," Cari kissed Juliette.

"Hey
yourself, and I'm not an expert like Karin but I think it was a great
race."

"Well we
have made the final," Carina smiled, "and that's not till
Sunday."

"Yes, and
remember you have that other shoot tonight."

"I know
Mom," Cari rolled her eyes.

"It’s why
I did very little modeling," Karin smiled broadly, "it's hard to mix
with the rowing."

"You know
you could model now Mrs Widdowes. you look so beautiful."

"And we
don't Specs?" Kelsey and Molly laughed.

"Carina
I'm far too old to model."

"Never say
that Karin," Juliette chuckled, "they got me back in front of a
camera after all."

9.30 am BST

McAdam Advisors, The Bank

“So,” Agnes
said as she sat at her desk, “what is urgent in the post this morning Sue?”

“Not an awful
lot Aggie,” Sue said as she looked through the letters, “but I thought you
might want to look at this, it’s handwritten and postmarked Oban.”

“Oh!” Aggie
took the letter, but her look of concentration turned to a smile as she opened
the envelope and read the letter.

“So I take it
from the look on your face it’s something good…something about my wedding?”

“No Sue, this
is something that proves my status is returning to what it once was.”

“Sorry, I don’t
understand.”

“My father
always told me,” Agnes said as she sat back, “that one of the things about
being Laird of Ardray was that there was things one was obliged to do, that
they were the Laird’s duty.”

“And this
letter is about you doing your duty.”

“Indeed it is
Sue, it’s from my factor at Ardray, Rory McAdam, but writing not as my employee
but as club captain of Ardray Shinty Club, inviting me to become the club’s
Honorary President and Patron.”

“Shinty is like
hockey isn’t it?”

“It is,” Agnes
grinned, “and where did an English girl like you learn that?”

“To be honest I
don’t know,” Sue, laughed, “I probably saw it in some trivia game.”

“Well anyway to
return to it being my duty, I was taught by my parents that it is the duty of
the Laird to support local causes, and groups. It’s why my father paid for the
cost of repairing the roof on the Presbyterian kirk, even though we are Roman
Catholics ourselves.”

“Colin says
that similar duties will come to me as an MP’s wife.”

“Well, as a
member of one of East Anglia’s oldest aristocratic families, it’s the price you
pay for joining the nobility Sue.”

“Stop
extracting the wee-wee Aggie,” Sue grinned, “aint no way I can ever be an
aristocrat.”

“Tell me that
next year when the new edition of Debrett’s Peerage comes out Sue, and you’ve
seen your name in there…that will be more than I do,” Aggie laughed.

“Alright that
makes no sense, I’ll be in there, but you won’t? All because you were Lady
D’Eath?”

“No actually
not - my ancestry is recorded in another book, Burke’s Landed Gentry.”

“You’ll have to
explain one day Aggie,” Sue looked perplexed.

“Alright,”
Aggie swiveled on her chair. “There were once McAdam’s who were nobility,
George the Third in an act of reconciliation made the Laird who built the New
House, Earl of Ardray.”

“Alright.”

“Well the title
died out when the senior line ran out after the 4th Earl’s
death. The Lairdship then passed to a descendant of the 1st Earl’s
younger brother, who wasn’t therefore eligible to become Earl. Though a
recreation of the title in his favour was offered, and turned down. Well anyway
to cut a long story short, I descend from him, and lacking a title, that’s why
I’m just landed gentry.”

“Artemis that’s
complicated,” Susan shook her head.

“But coming
back to ‘duty’ - as the wife of a peer’s grandson, and one day MP, you’ll find
that a slice of such obligations as me giving my patronage to the shinty club,
will certainly fall to you Sue.”

“I guess so –
and I need to thank you for allowing us to stay at you home this weekend.”

“You’re getting
married from there – it gives you a chance to meet Sheilagh and discuss
matters.”

"So what
can we expect at Ardray Aggie?" Sue asked quietly

"A fine,
fine, Scottish welcome. Sheilagh and Rory have cared for the New House so long,
while it's been in mothballs almost, that they are champing at the bit to prove
how good they really are at their jobs."

"What do I
call them?'

"Call them
by their names, but expect them in return to call you Miss Susan, and Colin,
Mister Colin."

"It's
going to feel just so strange," Sue shook her head.

"Well life
on a Scottish estate is still pretty hierarchical and formal. People will
respect you Susan, and in turn you show them courtesy and gratitude and all
will go well."

“I still can’t
believe this is all happening,” Sue said as she sat down, “Aggie?”

“Hmm?”

“What were the
plans for your wedding?”

“Pretty much
like your Sue,” Agnes smiled, “I was to have been married in the cathedral at
Oban.”

“Not sure,”
Aggie shrugged, “after the story she cut me right out. Other than that she
lives in Belgium nowadays, I haven’t got any information.”

“Alright who
else?”

“My cousin
Arabella Lomax, and Fiona Douglas-Warren, who I’d known since we were tiny
children, and who also removed any contact with me when she found out I was
Lady D’Eath.”

“So of the 4
girls who would have down the aisle behind you, only your sister now talks to
you? Aggie that sucks.”

“Such is life
Sue…At least your friends have stuck with you through thick and thin.”

“Yeah, oi guess
in that oi’ve been lucky.”

“Sue your
accent is slipping.” Agnes laughed.

“Who was giving
you away?”

“Sir Simon
McDonald…my godfather.”

“Does he talk
to you?”

“He came and saw
me for the first time last night.”

“That sounds
good.” Sue said with a smile.

“No not really
Sue darling, in many ways he’s Donald’s boss at the FO. He came to check what
my relationship was with Donald, and was I likely to cause a scandal?”

“God…the
BASTARD!”

“No…not really,
I think he was under instructions from the new PM to make sure that I was going
to stay out of the way.”

“Didn’t he say
anything personal?”

“Not really, I
suspect I’ll probably never see him again,” Agnes let a couple of tears drop,
“still I can’t have everything, at least a few family members and friends have
readmitted to the human race.”

Both women
heard the outer door open, as Sue went out and Agnes looked at the mail.A couple of minutes later, Sue returned.

“If this is to
reinforce what Uncle Simon said last night Aunt Fiona, I can assure you that I
got the message loud and clear.”

“Simon is a
jackass at times Aggie, I knew he’d cocked it up as soon as he came in the door
last night,” Lady Fiona sighed as she sat down.

“Cocked it up?”

“Yes
darling…you know there are definitely times when a man shouldn’t be sent to do
a woman’s work.”

“I thought last
night he WAS doing a woman’s work?”

“Yes,” Lady
Fiona sighed again, “he was under orders from Number Ten, but he was also supposed
to talk to you not as the head of the Foreign Office, but as your godfather as
well.”

“He was?”

“He was…Now
Sue…you don’t mind me calling that do you? Can you get us three cups of coffee
and then we can all sit down and I can tell you just what that idiot husband of
mine should have said last night?”

Less than five
minutes later the three women sat down round Agnes’s desk and Lady Fiona
started to speak again.

“Aggie darling,
Simon was supposed to tell you last night that having read the Sunday Times
article, and having talked to a few people that we realise now that you only
did what you thought you needed to do for the best.”

“Yes I did,”
Aggie sipped her coffee.

“He was also
supposed to apologise for the way we treated you for these past twenty years.”

“Well the
impression he gave me that was this would probably be the last time I ever saw
him.”

“Oh that man is
so USELESS at times…”

“So Aunt Fiona
what was he supposed to actually say?”

“That we
welcome you back into the family with open arms.”

“You do?”

“Of course we
bloody do Aggie…Now give me a hug please.”

“Gladly,” the
two women stood and with a few tears flowing embraced each other.

“You are here
Sue because I want to invite you and Colin to dinner on Monday night along with
Aggie and Donald, and Charles and Bobbi.”

“You do?” It
was Susan’s turn to look shocked.

“Well how else
am I going to wheedle out of you an invitation to your wedding,” Lady Fiona
smiled broadly.

“My…” Susan
laughed, “of course we will invite you.”

“Good, because
like Catriona I’d like to offer to put up guests at our house.”

“That is so
kind of you,” Sue grinned happily. “You do know though that my personal life
has been even more toxic then Aggie’s?”

“Sue darling if
I’ve learned one thing recently, it’s that when people do what they need do
just to avoid going hungry and to put a roof over their heads, then it’s rather
improper of those who have never faced that situation to be judgmental.” Fiona
smiled again, “now can I take it we will see you Monday?”

“Let me call Colin
to confirm, but yes I think we are free.”

“And you
Agnes?”

“Again I’ll
need ask Donald, but I think we can make it.”

“Good.”

“Aunt Fiona,”
Agnes said quietly, “you know this may generate some bad publicity?”

“To be honest,
I don’t give a shit Aggie, Simon’s pension is secure, he has been offered the
Wardenship of Argyll College, and if TM and the Cabinet Secretary want to boot
him out, well then let them.”

“Does he know
you are saying that?” Agnes laughed.

“Yes, and as I told
him over breakfast if he can’t repair relationships with his own goddaughter,
what use is he heading the diplomatic service anyway?”

“Oh I wish I
could tell my friends that story,” Sue laughed.

“Well best you
don’t dear, just in case it ever got into the press,” Fiona’s eyes twinkled.
“Today we can’t say what Aggie’s great great grandfather told Lord Beaverbrook
when he said he was going to publish some scandal, and that it was in the
public interest.”

“What did he
say?” Sue asked as she looked at both women.

“What fucking
business is it of the middle classes to know what their betters do,” Aggie and
Fiona recited together then started laughing.

“Look - Why
didn't you ask your friends and family for help Agnes? I'm sure somehow we
could have all done something."

"Because,
as I've admitted to a few people, I thought that I could deal with everything
on my own."

"That does
sound just like the Agnes I remember."

"Well by
the time I got the final demand from the Treasury for Inheritance Tax, and I'd
worked out just how much Daddy was in debt to various people, I wasn't left with
much of an option other than to sell Ardray."

"Which of
course Donald bought, intending to give it back to you."

"Which I
just found out," Agnes shook her head.

"He used
all that money his grandmother had given him while she was alive."

"And thus
it escaped a huge tax hit...I just wish Daddy had at least started to think
about what would happen if he died, it would have helped me out
immensely."

"Well
anyway considering he bought at the bottom of the market, Donald has made some
rather nice capital gains on his purchase of Ardray."

"I suppose
he has," Aggie finished her coffee.'

"And how
do you and Colin stand financially Sue?"

"Well we
certainly both need to work," Sue smiled, "but we do have a lovely
little house in Rutland Street."

"Which
will be ideal for a young family," Lady Fiona smiled.

"Well if I
can get pregnant, the doctors are still making up their minds on that
subject."

“Have faith, my
child – if it is intended to be, it will be,” Fiona said with a smile.

“I must say,
you do make a refreshing change with your acceptance, Lady Fiona.”

"Sue since
I'm at least in part the descendant of a very famous whore, I really shouldn't
take a moral line with anyone."

"You
descend from a whore Lady Fiona?" Sue looked shocked.

"My
maternal grandmother was a de Vere Beauclerk, which means I descend from
Charles Beauclerk, the bastard son of Charles II and Nell Gwynn."

"You have
royal blood?"

"Yes just
like the Fitzstuart's, except their ancestress was a maid, while Nell was
certainly a whore, as well as an actress."

"Is that
true Agnes?" Sue looked at her boss.

"It
is," Aggie laughed, "being a whore wasn't quite so bad if your client
was the king. and Aunt Fiona's ancestors aren't the only ones - the Dukes of
Richmond also descend from Charles II, but in their case their ancestress
Louise de Keroualle wasn't only a high class trollop, but a French spy as
well."

"God,
who'd of thought it," Sue shook her head.

10 am BST

Paddington Green Police Station

The DCS
listened carefully as Mike Babbage said "Brian I'm telling you that
something is happening that we don't know about?"

"Look
Mike, you are a great copper, but are you just overtired from all this
work?" the Detective Chief Superintendent asked.

"No...I
can feel this in my guts Sir."

“I see – there
are a couple of experts at the conference today.I’ll call them in for lunch – I believe you
know Agent Janice Carter and Inspector Jeanne Marais?”

10 am BST

Claridges

"Good
morning Louise." Tamiko smiled as she stood up in the coffee lounge.

"And good
morning to you Tamiko," Louise kissed her on the cheeks before she sat
down, "and thank you for the wonderful meal last night."

"I
remembered you like quality things Louise."

"I do,
hence why I'm staying at Claridges..."

"And not
at the Savoy," Tamiko continued pointedly as she poured the coffee.

"I heard it
was fully booked.A lot of models in
town."

"So have
you been into the London office?"

"Darling,”
Louise said with a light laugh, “I'm on vacation - why would I visit the
office?"

"I thought
maybe to thank Madame for paying for your operation?"

"I did
that when she was in LA."

“Of course –
and as you say, you are on vacation.”

“So how much
longer do you expect to be in town,” Louise said as she sipped her coffee.

“I am unsure –
something tells me it will soon be…Forgive me,” Tamiko said as she took out her mobile phone and answered
it, speaking in Japanese.

"Yes...I
suppose so," the Lady Yakuza for once looked flustered.“Forgive me Louise – I must curtail our chat
for now.”She stood up and walked
quickly off, the two guards following her.

11 am CET

Munich

"Give her
a few moments Maestro," Mary shouted as the hairdresser took the curlers
out of Susie's hair, "they are going as fast as they can."

"What did
I do to deserve a third day of this?" Susie looked skyward.

"Simple,"
her sister laughed, "you did an incredible job the first two days."

"Then why
is he still shouting at me?"

"Because
he's Antonio Bell and that's what he does," a voice said from the
entrance.

"HEY
MISSY," Mary put her arms round the older woman, "so what is the
world saying about my little sister?"

"How big a
head do you want to give her Mary?" Missy smiled.

"That
good?" Mary whistled.

"That
good, and I bullshit you not, it's almost as big a reaction as your first big
shoot got you Mary."

"I notice
that word Almost," Susie called out. "You are still the star of the
Clarke family Mary....No huge contracts for me."

"One day
little sister, one day." Mary smiled proudly.

"SUSAN
DARLING I AM WAITING."

"Alright I
better go," Susie nodded to the hairdresser for approval.

"You are
ready to go," the man replied as Susan took off the cape and walked out.

12.30 pm BST

Park Lane Hilton

"So what
had Mike keeping you awake last night Sherry?" Agnes asked as they awaited
their lunch.

"Oh he has
some theory that all this recent trouble is all coordinated to conceal one
truly huge crime."

"Oh?"
Aggie's antennae twitched as she listened.

"Yes - he
has some crazy theory that some big time crook called Madame X, in league with
those Pussycats from America is pulling a huge heist."

"Well, is
he right?"

"He was
going to try convince Brian this morning." Sherry smiled as the tall woman
approached, "and there you are Cat darling, we thought you'd forgotten
us."

“No – I
overslept,” Catriona said as she sat down.“So are Colin and Susan on their way?”

“In an hour or
so - Aunt Fiona called on me this morning Cat?"

"She did
WHAT?" Catriona stared at her friend.

"I know it
amazed me as well, but basically she was telling all is forgot and
forgiven."

"Good
Lord, my mother will be turning in her grave that her sister did that."

"I know
Cat, your Mother was not the forgiving type, was she?"

"Lady
SexisSinful...No she wasn't," Catriona shook her head.

1 pm BST

Chez Georgette

Soho, London

"Hello
Mike," George smiled as he saw the policeman walk into the bar, "on
your own today?"

"Yes...Need
some thinking time George."

"Well,”
the owner said with a smile, “don't let me disturb you."

"No you
aren't disturbing me George, I just have these crazy ideas in my head, and
according to my boss, what I'm thinking makes no sense at all."

"Oh it’s
that kind of thinking eh...need to talk to someone who's not a copper?"

"Or a
coppers wife,” Mike said as he ordered some food, “Sherry thinks I'm going
crazy as well."

"This does
sound like deep thoughts," George pulled up a chair, "so what are
these insane thoughts?"

"That all
this recent stuff is just to cover up a far bigger crime..."

"Well that
is a pretty unorthodox thought Michael." George interrupted.

"I know it
is, but I think some very big criminal intellects have worked this all
out."

"Mike,
without me saying how I hear, can I say I've truthfully not heard a dickybird
about anything like that."

"That's
the problem George - nobody has heard anything, and that's what makes me so
suspicious, this type of wave of trouble usually the snitches are rushing to
ring the Yard."

"Oh I get
what you are getting at now, It's the why didn't the dog bark thing?"

"Exactly."

"Well I'm
not a snitch Mike as you well know, but I'll try and discreetly ask a few
people.'

"Please if
only just to confirm I'm not going insane," Mike nodded as the barman
brought him his steak and kidney pie.

“Thing is,
Mike, if you were right, what could you do about it?”

“If I’m right,
George, I have this horrible feeling I will be too late to stop it…”

1 pm BST

The Savoy

“Hey – get some
sleep?”

"A little
- How are you?" Cassie said as she stood and kissed JD before they sat at
the table.

"Better then you I think, but all I did was sit in a van all night
watching screens."

"Yeah we
worked hard," the Irishwoman smiled, "there's just so much of the
stuff.'

"So I
heard," JD laughed.

"Anyway
changing subjects,” Cassie said as they looked at the menu, “what did Maddie
say about you doing that film?"

"She
thinks I should."

"I agree,”
Cassie said, “I read the script, and truly it looks like it will be a very
moving movie."

"That's
what I thought - I grew up in LA close to a lot of Latinas and I get the
cultural thing."

"She's on
a journey of discovery from her Anglicized life in the Boston suburbs, back to
where her parents originally came from...I get the premise totally."
Cassie smiled, "so is Maddie setting up meetings?"

"She is
for when we get back to LA, I'll go see the producer and director then."

“Good – she was
a bit tired by this morning as well…”

1 pm BST

Xavier International

Shirley poured
herself another coffee and sat down at her desk, reading the reports as her
intercom rang.

“Yes?”

"Madame I
have the house sitters on the phone," her PA said quietly.

"Very well
put them through please," Shirley looked puzzled as there was a click on
the line.

"Hello
Madame its Chelsea, can I ask a question please?"

"Please do
Chelsea."

"Did
anyone look in the deepest recesses of that room last night?"

"No...Why?"

"Well I
got bored, so I went and shone a torch in dark places..."

"And you
found?"

"A large
trunk Madame."

"Did you
open it?"

"Yes, and
Madame I almost fainted, I'm not an expert but it looks like a fortune in
stones."

"WHAT?"
Shirley tried to control her voice.

“I think we
need a professional appraisal.”

“Very well, I
will send her down later before we start work tonight – thank you for informing
me Chelsea.You will receive a bonus for
this.”

“Thank you
Madame,” Chelsea said as Amanda came on the line.“Apologies Madame – the Bunker requires your
presence immediately.Natalia is on her
way down as well.”

“Very well - contact
Charlotte, tell her she is needed.I
will be down presently.”

Five minutes
later, Shirley walked into the command bunker, Natalia looking round as she
came in.

“What’s
happened?”

“Our spotters
alerted us to this,” Natalia said as the screen showed the entrance to the
sewers, “a group of surveyors taking measurements.”

“Not unusual on
a work day?”

“All Japanese?”

“That’s where
we had to clean up last night,” Charlotte said as she came in, “tube station,
anything to report?”

“Busy – why?”

“Do a full
sweep.Natalia?”

“I’ll call
Francesca and grab Shelly.See you in
ten.”

“Charlotte,
alert Gold Ten and Eleven, we may require early entry from them and Gold
Twenty.”

“Problem?”

“Opportunity.”

“And get Gold
One on the line for me…”

"Alright
Madame I heard both pieces of news," Penny said as she rushed in,
"what are our orders?"

“Specialist
assistance and support Penelope – you know what to do.”

“Agreed,” Penny
said as she logged into the secure network, and opened a chat window.

“Penny?What’s up,” she saw Marina say.

"Marina
you are needed and urgently," Penny spoke into her secure computer.

"I can be there in five minutes, what is this about?"

"We aren't
sure, but we may need someone who speaks Japanese."

"Alright
I'm on my way then...Do I need to bring Kylie?"

"No just yourself please."

“Good - she had
final fittings for Naples today.On my
way…”

"Daffy do
you still have that contact in Five?" Shirley asked as Penny worked.

"You mean
Lucy,” Daffy said, “yes last I heard she was still there."

"Can you
give her a heads up that a group of Japanese are playing at work so close to
the seat of government...I think she might be interested."

"She
might," Lady Davina reached for her phone.

“I’ve called
our contact in Special Branch and alerted him,” Penny said as she looked up.

"Alright
if Five and Special Branch are calling on those people, I want one of them for
us," Madame looked up from the screen.

"Lily we need a snatch team put together and quick...time to start using
our rapid response people." Penny spoke.

"Gotcha,"
Lily said as she ran out of the room.

“Carina is
unavailable, as is Dominique…”Shirley
dialled another number.

“Cuthbertson.”

"Cat are
you busy at this moment?"

"At this
moment Shirley darling, I'm not sure what you mean."

"We have
some snoopers and I'm having one lifted for interrogation, any chance that keen
brain of yours can come and help out?"

"A big
chance, where do I need go?"

"Aldwych."

"Okay give
me 15 minutes and I'll be there darling."

“Madame…”

“I know – you
call Jill Hudspeth,” Shirley said as she dialled another number."Louise - how are things at
Claridges?"

"At this moment looking very quiet Madame."

"She's not
active?"

"Well, if
she is, it’s behind locked doors."

"I rather
thought that might be the case," Shirley sighed.

"Do I need
to do something?"

"No just
sit tight Louise, and make sure you stay safe, we are going to grab one of her
people."

"I'm
securing the door as we speak."

"Good,
just make sure they don't get to you Louise."

“They can try,
and if they do, they discover their mistake,” Louise said as she ended the
call.

1.30 pm BST

South Bank, London

“Well done,
Katy – take a break.Anna, you’re up.”

“Here we go
again,” Doc said as she walked over in her leather mini skirt and heels, Katy
going to a seat and picking up her cell phone.

"Mom the
red light just flashed on my phone?" Katy whispered as she looked at Jan.

“I know, but
the boss is letting me pull you two from routine to work this with me, so at
least humour me please.”

“Okay Guv,” the
woman detective smiled, “but what can we do?”

“Just go out
and hit as many of your grasses as you can find, I don’t buy the story that
absolutely no one knows anything.”

“But if you are
right and it is Madame X’s people, they are going to be shit scared even to
whisper anything Sir.”

“I know she
holds the fearful weapon known as Dominique over their heads, but I want even
the tiniest scrap of information that you can find.”

“Gotcha Guv,”
Tom Barrett stood up.

“I wish I could
set more of our people on this, but with all that’s going on we are stretched
far too thin for even me to get extra manpower.”

“So when Sir?”

“Ideally I
wanted you out the door ten minutes ago Jenny.”

“I get the
picture,” the woman DC and her partner said as they walked out the door to
Mike’s office leaving it open.A moment
later, Mike grabbed his jacket and walked out as well…

2.30 pm BST

Whitehall

Sitting in the
van, the monitors watched the group of Japanese men and women, looking as if
they were sketching the road and buildings, but also noting the way they were
looking carefully round the area and particularly the sewer entrance.

Hearing the knocks
on the side, one of them removed her headset and opened the back door to allow
Natalia in.

“Red Three and
Red Four are in the tube station – any change?”

“Only what you
can see Red One – plans?”

“Watch
carefully ladies – you are about to see a number of things come together.Lookouts?”

“There, there
and there,” the monitor said as she pointed to the screen, “and one looks as if
he is about to take a smoking break.”

“Filthy habit,
we should see how that can be cured – Blue Team, are you reviewing?”

“We are,” Lily
said as she sat at the wheel of the black van, Tracey and Bev looking from
behind her out of the windscreen, “who are you thinking?”

“Cancer Man.”

“So noted,”
Tracey said, “we need a bit of a diversion – we could create it ourselves?”

“Red One, this
is Red Three.”

“Go ahead,”
Natalya said.

“We just
spotted one entering the first door.Red
Four moving in response – they won’t get far.”

“Damn it,”
Francesca muttered, “acknowledged Red Three, and we trust to her skills.Blue Team – move.”

“On it,” Lily
nodded as she drove the van forward, Tracey looking at Bev as she said “ready
for the distraction?”

Bev nodded as
she got out when the van stopped, wearing a low cut top and tight jeans, a
black bob wig over her hair.Lighting a
cigarette, she walked up to the thin Japanese man and said “excuse me luv – can
you tell me the way to Piccadilly?”

“No, sorry,” he
said as he looked away, but Bev walked in front of him and said “oh come on –
you look like you know the area, which direction is it?”

“I told you, I
do not know, now…”His eyes opened
suddenly, and then closed as rapidly as Tracey grabbed his arms, and Bev his
legs, the two girls carrying him into the van and closing the door as Lily
drove off.

“Smooth,”
Natalya said, “they haven’t even noticed he has gone yet.”She watched as two of the group put their
hands to their ear, and then walked quickly off.

“What’s got
them agitated?”

“Our fault
probably.”

“Red Three?”

“Red Four just
helped our unwanted visitor to the concourse and we left.I guess the venom has taken effect.”

“Looks like
more company,” Natalya said as two cars pulled up, men getting out and walking
to the group taking measurements, “okay everyone, stand down – for now…”

3 pm BST

McAdam Advisers

“Hello?”

Agnes looked
round and smiled as she saw Mike Babbage come in.

“Mike,” she
said as she removed her glasses, “and to what do I owe this visit?”

“Where’s Sue?”

“On her way to
Ardray with Colin – something wrong?”

“Don’t worry
Aggie,” Mike said as he sat down, “it’s not official, I just want to talk as
one old friend to another.”

“Mike that
sounds ominous dear.”

“This is all
off the record, but Aggie I know you know a lot of people, and that you are
trusted to keep secrets.”

“And what makes
you think that Mike?” she said as she sat across from him.

“Oh come on
Aggie I wasn’t born yesterday. I’ve heard whispers for years that people come
to you for advice and suggestions.”

“Are you
implying I’m a criminal Michael?” Aggie played with her reading glasses.

“No, I’m
certain you haven’t broken the law Aggie, at least not directly, but you know
people who do.”

“Mike I was in
what was only a semi-legal business…”

“Aggie I know
that, and I’ll never ask for this kind of help from you again,” he said quietly,
“but for the sake of my own sanity can I ask you one question?”

“Only one
Mike?” Aggie lifted an eyebrow.

“Yes…Look Aggie
is something going on that is deep undercover and that all this crap is meant
just to cover?”

“Define crap?”

“This recent crime
wave, is it just covering up something far bigger?”

“Do you want an
honest answer Mike?”

“Yes.”

“Alright,”
Agnes said as she leaned forward, “I’ve been told nothing, but I have to say it
had occurred to me that might be what is happening as well.”

“But you have
no certain information?”

“Mike since
I’ve gone straight again my former contacts as I perhaps should call them, have
all cut me out of the loop. My friends accepted me back, and to stop me having
to face questions like yours from the other side so to speak, all agreed
to leave me totally alone.”

“Yes I get that
Aggie,” Mike scratched his head, “but at least another person whose thoughts I
respect can see something going on.”

“Having a hard
time convincing people?”

“Yeah I am.”

“Well I wish I
could help Mike darling, but no it’s the God’s honest truth that all I have are
suspicions as well.”

“Thanks Aggie,”
Mike stood and kissed her on the cheek, “I’m sorry that I hassled you.”

“Mike you
didn’t.” Agnes laughed, “that was just two friends talking a problem out.”

“Come round for
dinner tonight?”

“I’ll look
forward to it,” Agnes said as Mike left – and then she put her own coat on,
before going out.

3.30 pm BST

Xavier International, The Aldwych

As he came
round, the man looked at his surroundings – a plain room, with him sitting in a
chair in the middle – tightly bound to it.

“Koko wa doko?
Anatahadare?” he called out as he looked round – and then turned his head as a
door opened to the side, and four women walk in.Two were dressed in black, one with a scarf
covering her face and head so that only her eyes showed, and loose fitting
black clothes.The other wore a black
leather jacket and skirt, with high heels, and smiled as she stood to the side.

The other two
women wore smart business clothes, with black domino masks as disguises, one
looking at the man as the other said, in a deep rich voice, “Our apologies for
keeping you – we have some questions, and we appreciate honest answers.

"Cat dear
let’s step outside for a few minutes and let Penny and Marina get him ready to
answer your questions."

"It's
probably an idea," Catriona said as the two women walked out, closing the
door behind them.

"Penelope
we discovered has a talent for this kind of work."

"Indeed,"
the Scotswoman replied, "she does seem to rather like it."

"Treat him
as a defendant you are cross-examining Cat, Use your instincts to make sure he
tells us what he knows, not just the lies he's been briefed to give I
suspect."

"I can but
try my best."

Both women
looked round as the first cry of pain was heard.

"Ah,"
Shirley smiled, "I think they are making progress."

“Forgive me
Madame,” Lily said as she came over, “Agnes McAdam is coming to see you in a
few minutes.”

“I will be back
shortly,” Shirley said as she walked off.

"Dr McAdam
Madame," Amanda said as she showed Agnes into Shirley’s office.

"Aggie
what a delightful surprise," Shirley stood and kissed her.

"Well I
didn't expect to have to drop in Shirley, but Mike Babbage came to talk to me
earlier."

“Oh?”

"Yes, and don't worry I didn't tell him anything because I know nothing,
and I'm quite happy staying that way."

"So why
the visit?"

"Just to
tell you darling that if you are up to something very naughty, that Mike at
least has worked out that what has been happening is a huge smokescreen."

"I always
knew that he was an excellent copper."

"Look
Shirley nothing bad happens to Mike, he's a great old friend and so is his
wife, do I have your assurance on that?"

"Yes, but
if he gets too close..."

"Then make
sure what you do is non lethal Shirley, just remember all the information I
know..."

"Is that a
threat Agnes?"

"No just a
reminder that you owe me a favour and that Mike’s safety be guaranteed.I’ll be having dinner with him and Shelley
tonight."

Marina watched
carefully as Penny cut away his clothes, and removed the man’s shoes and socks,
leaving him naked and secured to the chair before she opened a black cloth
package.She looked through the
contents, and then removed a scalpel.

"Carina
has a surgical kit, and after seeing her use hers, I thought I ought to get
one," Penny purred as she idly made superficial incisions on the man’s
torso.He spoke, Marina smiling as she
said “he’s asking if that is all you have.”

“Is it
now…Oh.”

“Oh?”

“I just noticed
that he hasn't been circumcised, tell him I'll rectify that for him."
Penny reached for the surgical shears.He shook his head, but Marina gripped him, her arm like an iron band as
Penny positioned the blades, and then sliced down.

“Clean cut,”
Marina said as he screamed, “how shall we treat it?”

“With care and
kindness,” Penny said as she opened a clear bottle, and poured the liquid over
the tip, the man screaming again before he controlled himself.

“What was that
– surgical spirit?”

“Vinegar - Tell
him has he ever thought that he might like to be a woman?" Penny spoke to
Marina as she ran the scalpel over his ball sack.As Marina spoke, he spat at Penny, who
laughed as she pushed on his chest with her foot, making him fall as she heard
his arm break.

"Marina
have you ever heard of Bastinado?"

"I can't
say I have."

"Well,
allow me to demonstrate," Penny picked up a cane. "You keep hitting
the sole of his foot...at first he might tolerate it," she said as she began
using the cane to whip the man, "but quickly the pain becomes
excruciating."

“Where did you
learn this?”

"It was
Helen who taught me how to do this," Penny watched as the man’s face
contorted, "in China they call it da jiao xin you know?"

“How
appropriate,” Marina said as he called out, then they stopped as Shirley and
Catriona came back in.

"I think
he's ready to talk Madame," Penny bowed her head.

"Alright
Catriona what do we need know?"

"Well,”
the barrister said, “let’s start with basic information, what is his name, and
why is he in London?"

As Marina
spoke, he answered in pants, Marina translating as Catriona checked her facts.

"Tell him we know he's a soldier for the Tanaka family, but we want
to know precisely what he does for them?" Catriona looked up from her
notes as Marina posed the question to him.

“Stop,” Miss
Lynx said, “but we’ve only just started.I thought we could all play – once we have you in a different position…”

5.30 pm BST

West London

“Why haven’t we
heard anything?” Mike asked himself repeatedly as he drove home. “Why has
nothing been reported?”

“Shit,” Mike
said aloud, “it’s like trying to envisage what a whole jigsaw puzzle looks like
when you have just one piece of it.”

“SHUT UP!” he
yelled as another car honked at him, and Mike realised that the traffic lights
were green, but that he’d been so distracted he hadn’t noticed. “Alright
concentrate on driving man, you can think this out when you get home.”

Despite his
best efforts though the thoughts about why hadn’t they heard of a crime still
kept echoing round in his head.

5.45 pm BST

The New House, Ardray

As the taxi pulled
up outside, the estate manager walked down, a smile on his face as he opened
the door.

"Och that
sounds so romantic.Now, sit down, and
I’ll bring some tea in."

As Sue took a
seat, Colin looked out onto the rolling hills.

“What are you
thinking?”

“This is pure
beauty Sue – a wonderful place…”

"Aye you
can tell he's a gentleman born and bred Sheilagh," Rory watched as the
kettle boiled. "His grandfather was the late Lord Standerton, and his
father is Sir Charles Gresham-Fox the British ambassador in Washington, I
looked him up."

"Well ahm
pretty sure she wasn't born a lady in the old sense" Sheilagh poured the
boiling water into the tea pot, "but she seems really very sweet, and they
are clearly so in love."

"Aye
that's plain to see, and it’s not ours to comment on our betters Sheilagh, but
I think they will make a wonderful couple."

"A bit
like you and me yer old romantic you," Sheilagh laughed as she lifted up
the tea tray.

The Farm

Ellen Norman
screamed in pain as Miss Leopard fastened the metal clamps onto her erect, firm
nipples, her body glistening in sweat as the ropes encircled the bases of her
breasts and made them far more prominent and firm than normal.Her body was tightly bound, as she knelt on
the floor, gasping in to the thick cloth and tape as the masked woman pulled
down on the chain linking the clamps, and put her other gloved hand on her
crotch.

“It feels good
as well as painful, doesn’t it?” she whispered, Richard crying as he watched
his wife slowly nod.

“I believe you
were told to do it,” Miss Lynx said as Zoe collapsed onto her side, sobbing as
she watched her sister put her mouth over her father’s engorged penis, while
Miss Lynx massaged the young girl’s chest…

6.30 pm

The Babbage Residence

“Busy day
darling?” Sherry greeted her husband as he came into the kitchen with a kiss,
and a small glass of beer.

“Yes,” he
replied as he loosened his tie.“Like
you would not believe.”

“Are you still
convinced something sinister is happening?”

“More than
ever,” he said as he shook his head. “I went to talk to Aggie, and though she
had no definite information, she found what’s been going on suspicious as
well.”

“Oh is that why
she phoned, and said she will be here in about 20 minutes?”

“Yes I invited
her to eat with us…Also I said to Tom Barrett and Jenny Anson that they should
drop in when they finish work.”

“It’s a good
thing that it’s easy to expand the stew and create more,” Sherry smiled as Mike
sat at the kitchen table.

“Oh I needed
this beer,” Mike said a she sipped his drink and put the glass down.

“So,” Sherry
said as she chopped more vegetables, “are you still pursuing that idea?”

“Yes - and I
have one tantalizingly small clue that I’m right, I’m hoping I’ll know more
when Tom and Jenny get here.”

“Ah you’ve set
them to work on this have you?”

“Yes, the old
man approved, so I’m just trying to get what meagre information I can, and to
see if I can make a picture out of it.”

“Hey Dad, how
was your day?” Alice his eighteen year old daughter asked as she walked in.

“Not too bad
love, and yours?”

“Boring, I know
the money isn’t bad, and there are very few summer jobs out there, but the
Library is the pits.”

“Well it will
give you some money in your pocket when you go up to Oxford.”

“Yes, that’s
the one good thing.”

“So, what did
they have you doing today?” he asked as he leaned back.

“Loading the
new mobile Library…we will finish it off tomorrow, we only got it half done.”

“Well work
hard,” Mike said as he sipped his beer again.“Hang on,” he said quietly, “That’s IT!”

“Mike – calm
down and finish your drink,” Sherry said, Mike nodding as he took another sip.

Under Whitehall

“Welcome back
Gold One,” Doc said as Juliette came in with Sandy and Dominique, “ready for a
long night?”

“I guess so – a
lot to do,” Juliette said as she looked round, “where’s the surprise?”

“Over here,
Gold One,” Jan called out, Juliette walking over and looking at the chest.

“Those symbols
on the side?”

“Oh yes – they
are the Tanaka family crest,” she heard Charlotte say through her earpiece.

“Maybe we have
been considering Miss Tanaka in the wrong way…”

7.15 pm BST

Claridges

“Where?”

“His body was
found under the Hammersmith Bridge Mistress,” the man said as he and his
partner walked with Tamiko Tanaka, “mutilated.We cannot say if he talked or not.”

“Unimportant –
combined with our team in Whitehall been compromised, and the loss of our agent
in the Underground station, I think they know we know they are at work.It therefore behoves us, much to my personal
regret, to ensure they cannot be alerted any further.”Stopping outside the room door, she knocked
and said “Louise?May I have a word
please?”

“Louise?”

She nodded to
the two men, one of them taking a card from a wallet and swiping it through the
reader, smiling as the light turned green.He took hold of the handle, gripped tightly – and then shook as the
electricity ran through him, before he fell to the ground, staring at the
ceiling.

Tamiko nodded
to the other man, who kicked the door in, looking with his gun raised before
Tamiko walked in.The main room was
empty, the windows to the balcony open as a soft breeze blew the lace
curtains.She looked to the door to the
bedroom, the man nodding in response as she said “Louise?I promise you, I wish you no harm, I just
want to talk…”

The man walked
over to the bedroom door, opened it and moved in, returning and shaking his
head.Tamiko looked round, then saw the
note with her name on it, picked it up and read it.

“Mistress?”

“She regrets
she cannot join us today – have a team outside Xavier International, and
organise the teams at the various points.We need to move swiftly.”

The Babbage home

“Aggie,” Mike
said as he closed the door, and took her coat, “I need to pick your brain
again?”

Looking at him,
Aggie shook her head.“I thought you
said this afternoon was a one-off Mike.”

“It was, this
is a more general question, what have you read about the Pussycat Gang?”

“Enough to know
that I’m glad I live this side of the Atlantic, and that they are on the other
side…Why?”

“They take
hostages and use them to leverage people don’t they?”

“So I’ve seen
in the press…again I’ll ask Why?”

“Because I
think Madame X has imported them to help pull a robbery on a massive scale.”

“Mike,” Sherry
said from the living room, “stop talking to Aggie about crime, come and pour
some drinks please.”

“In a second
darling…Aggie wrack that encyclopaedic brain of yours, have they ever held
victims over a two night span?”

“Just once I
think.”

“I think they
are doing it now for a second time.”

“If you’re
right, does that mean they are doing what you fear?”

Mike said
nothing as they walked into the front room, Sherry smiling as she stood up.

“Mike, do you
remember me introducing you to Sherry?" Agnes smiled as she accepted and sipped
her wine.

"I do, and
I remember that I fancied you like hell, and was a little disappointed that you
set me up with your roommate and gave me the brush off."

"Well you
soon got over it Mike."

"I told
him all about Donald," Sherry laughed, "and like every other man in
the world he learned he had no chance with you."

"And I
soon realised that Sherry was more my type then you'd ever be Agnes."

"I know, I
remember her coming home after you guys went out and her telling me all about
how wonderful you were."

"I
remember worrying that Sherry being the daughter of a Viscount would dump me
because I wasn't classy enough."

"Oh there
was never any danger of that Mike." Agnes smiled again.

“I’ll get it,”
Sherry said as she walked to answer the ringing bell.

“Sherry – sorry
we’re late.”

"Hello
Jenny, Hello Tom, I'm glad that you could join us," Sherry greeted the two
Detective Constables at the front door.

"Thanks
for having us," Jenny held up a bottle of red wine, "I know the boss
prefers beer but..."

"I think
the rest of us might find a use for it." Sherry laughed as she led them
into the dining room, “now I think you both know everyone except my old Oxford
roommate. Jenny Anson, Tom Barrett meet Agnes McAdam."

"Hello it’s
nice to meet you both," Aggie stood and shook hands, "Mike said you
have the misfortune to work for him."

"Not sure
it’s a misfortune Miss McAdam," the young woman replied.

"Well Mike
says you two are both going to great detectives one day."

"Agnes..."

"Oh sorry
Mike wasn't I supposed to say that?" Aggie laughed

“All right
everyone, let’s eat…”

8 pm BST

The New House, Ardray

"Sheilagh
can I say that was one of the best meals that I've ever eaten in my life...”Sue pushed her plate away, wiped her mouth
and said “Thank you so much."

"Och away
with you Miss Sue," the housekeeper blushed, "ahm sure you eat a lot
better in those fancy London restaurants?"

"Those
aren't the sort of places that Colin and I are allowed to go to...sorry I
meant just to say go to," Susan let a look of panic come over her
face for a second.

“Ah think ah
know what ye meant, Miss Susan,” Sheilagh said with a smile, "Well ahm just
glad to see that you both ate it all up."

"Sheilagh
can I say if this is the standard of your cooking then the catering for the
wedding is in wonderful hands."

"Thank you
Mr Colin, now wouldya like your coffees in here or in the drawing room."

"Oh I
think in here will be fine," Colin smiled as Sheliagh took the plates out.

"Oim sorry
oi nearly said the wrung thing," Sue whispered, "It's hard for me not
to talk about my life except by sayin' just what happens. Oi forget people
don't need to know."

“It’s not a
problem Sue,” Colin said as he held and kissed her, “they’ve accepted you, and
we can accept that as well.Come and
look out of the window.”

The Bunker

"So where
do you think these came from Blue One?" Doc held a small camera over the
jewel chest.

"Till I
can examine them in person I have no idea, but from what I can tell there are
bits of everything in there, both precious, and semi-precious stones,"
Charlotte stared at the video screen, "but I'll tell you one thing - until
I go through that thing in detail the only thing I can say about value is that
I honestly have no idea as to what it might be."

"So are we
done for now?"

"Yes, I've
seen what I wanted to see, you get back to other matters."

“Okay – close
it up, put it with the pallettes,” Doc said as Charlotte sat back, and then
answered the phone.

“Yes?

“Are you sure
George?

“Very well -
continue to monitor,” she said as she put the phone down.“Red One?”

“Reading you
Blue One,” Natalya said.

“We have a
number of Japanese tourists on the street – can you send a team round to
check?”

“Can do…”

The Babbage Home

"So any
news for me?" Mike asked.

"Well,”
Tom said as they sat at the table, “I went to London Underground, and they
confirmed a work order on the computer..."

"Damn I
thought I was onto something."

"Well you
might be Sir because no one remembers programming that journey into the
computer, and no can work out where the train disappeared to for three or more
hours," Jenny finished.

"Sorry
love,” Mike said quietly, then looked at his officers.“So, is this same train booked to do anything
tonight?"

"They
aren't sure to be honest Sir."

“Why not?”

“A problem with
their computer systems – they’ll call me when they sort it out.”

“Curioser and
Curioser…”

“Mike – you’re
neglecting our other guests!”

“Sorry Sherry –
so how are the wedding arrangements going Agnes?”

“Sue should be
there now – she’ll call me tomorrow if anything need doing this end…”

9 pm BST

Ardray

"Rory,
what is the name of the mountain on the other side of the loch?" Susan
asked as she, Colin, and the McAdam's stood outside the New House watching the
evening sunset.

"It's
called Ben Ambar Miss."

"Okay I'll
have to remember that, and that the loch is Loch Rechin?"

"That it
is Miss Sue," Sheilagh smiled.

"I'm
trying to remember all this so that I can tell my friends back in London how
beautiful this all is."

"I think
someone has fallen in love with this place," Colin smiled.

"Well I
wouldnae wanna live anywhere else Mr Colin," Rory smiled happily, "I
saw a lot of the rest of the world while I was soldiering, but I knew I'd
always come back here to Sheilagh eventually."

"Aye and I
waited for his ugly mug," Sheilagh smiled.

"Oh that's
romantic as well," Susan looked very content, "Darling can you see
the way the sun is shining on the heather up on Ben Ambar?"

"Yes, that
colour is so beautiful."

"It
is," Sue paused for thought, "I wonder if my wedding bouquet can
largely be in that colour?"

"You'll
have to see."

"Tomorrow
you and me we'll go visit the florists in Oban Miss, and see what we can find
out." Sheilagh smiled again.

"Thank you
Sheilagh, that sounds lovely." Sue sighed happily.

“Do you shoot,
Mister Colin?”

“No – I leave
that to my elders and betters, but I do know they plan to gather here the day
before.I will act as bearer for one or
more of them.”

The Bunker

"Good
Evening Hand," the girls on the desks turned and greeted the leggy,
veiled, woman as she came into the bunker.

"And Good
Evening to you girls...Is there anything urgent I need to see?"

"There's
been an accident between a bus and a lorry on Westminster bridge," Molly
called out, "It's blocking one of our prime escape routes."

"Any idea
how long before they clear it?"

"No."

"Can you
put the video on the big screen please?"

"Doing
so."

"Yes, that
does look nasty,” she said quietly, “alright ladies, switch to the route we
planned out eastwards towards the City of London."

“We have guests
outside as well?”

“So I see,” the
Hand said as she looked at the external cameras, “close the Aldgate Road off
from the station to Aldwych – we need to be prepared.”

The Babbage Home

"Alright,”
Mike said as he and his colleagues stayed at the dinner table, Sherry talking
to Agnes as the kids cleared up, “we have a train that disappears for a length
of time, then mysteriously reappears in an abandoned siding before going back
to the depot."

"That's
about it Sir."

"Did they
contact the driver?"

"They
couldn't get hold of him Sir."

"I guessed
maybe they might not...Look Jenny finish your meal, but then ring the Yard and
get them to send some woodentops round to check the man’s house, if I'm right
there will be no one there either."

"So what
do you think they are taking Sir?" Tom asked as he ate his stew.

"I'll be
honest I've no idea, but the fact we've heard nothing suggests it’s something that
is not looked at every day to check if its missing or not."

"Sounds
plausible Mike," Aggie nodded her head.

"So it's
either in a vault, or a secure place, or..."

"What
about if its buried treasure?" Richard his 12 year old son asked.

"There is
no such thing as buried treasure Richard," his Mother smiled.

"Well
whatever it is, then according to Foxy it’s pretty huge and heavy," Jenny
added.

"Yeah and
its underground somewhere they can get a train to..." Tom spoke softly.

"As I said
Dad it's buried treasure."

"I'll add
another question to the mix Guv," Tom sipped his wine, "why was the
crew doing the unloading Chinese..."

Sherry opened
the door and stared at the blonde haired woman standing there, wearing a brown
great coat.She turned and smiled as she
said "Hey Sherry - long time no see, I'm told Agnes is here, may I see her
please?"

"Do I know
you?" She said as she cocked her head to one side.

"Let's put it this way, you did once," the American woman looked
amused as Sherry looked at her closely.

"Oh my
God...Is that you Karin?" suddenly Sherry recognised the woman at the
door.

"Should I
be insulted it took you so long?"

"Probably
darling, you are still so beautiful," Sherry giggled. "And you better
come through - Aggie is in the lounge.”

"Okay," the American said as she came in, and Sherry closed the
door."Agnes,” she called out, “you
have a visitor."

"Well I
came over to see Kelsey race, and after hearing her say she'd seen you to catch
up with an old friend."

"Oh I'm
just so glad to see you," Aggie started to laugh softly as she and Karin
embraced.

"Did I
hear a visitor?"

"Hello
Michael."

"Oh dear
God...Karin Norris," Mike grinned, "VERY long time no see."

“So – Detective
Chief Inspector Babbage.Did you
moonlight as a director as well?”

Ardray

“Well Sheilagh
what do you think of them now?" Rory asked as he and Sheilagh sat drinking
a milk drink at their own house before heading to bed.

"Well as
you said he's a true gent."

"Aye,"
Rory nodded. "And do you still like her?"

"Very much
so," Sheilagh smiled. "She's like a wee bairn in so many ways, she
wants to know this, she wants to know that."

"I'd
noticed."

"She
smiles a lot, but I can see under that smile she's hiding a lot of hurt I
think."

"Ah agree.
But he idolises her..."

"As she
does him dear."

“Right –
bed.Busy day tomorrow…”

"Sue darling,”
Colin said as they lay in the large bed, “can you answer a question for me
please?"

"For you
anything," Sue snuggled against her man.

"Why do
you suppress that Northampton accent of yours?"

"Because
if oi tork like tis, then no ones can unnerstan moi." Sue laughed.
"When I first got to London practically no one could understand a word
that came out of my mouth, so I listened to people and tried to talk like they
did, and this is what developed."

"But at
times Northants still pops out of your mouth?"

"I know,
when I'm upset, or I'm stressed the word I quickly becomes oi, and then I start
using dialect words and phrases...Kay says there have been times in our friendship
when she wishes she had subtitles to understand me."

"So it’s
never been you trying to sound posher?"

"No,"
Sue giggled, "It was always just so I could talk and people would know I
talked English, and hey it could have been worse."

"How?"

"I could
be from Birmingham," Sue giggled some more.

"That's
true," it was Colin's turn to start laughing.

"I think
it was meeting Kay that probably influenced my voice most, with her being a
middle class girl from the nice suburbs, I made a point of trying to talk as
much like as her as I could."

The traffic had
disappeared from the street, as roadworker started at the junction with the
main roads, but the eight Japanese visitors were still outside, watching,
taking note.

One man was
sitting outside Pret a Manger, his girlfriend looking at him as the talked in
low voices, when two women approached.One was a teenager, petite with brown hair and a bomber jacket, the
other older with black hair and a black coat.They were looking at a map, and stopped to ask the couple directions,
standing over them for a couple of minutes.When they walked off, the couple were still looking at each other,
unmoving, unblinking until a black cab drew up and two girls got out, helping
them into the taxi.

Two pairs of
men were walking up and down the street, as a red headed woman handed out samples
of drinks at the local bar.They each
accepted one, drinking it as they stood and talked – and then all looking at
each other before they were caught and helped into a van.

The last two
came out of the bar, looking round and wondering what was going on as a blonde
haired older woman walked up behind them.The red head looked at her and smiled – and then helped her to walk the
two men as they held them up, the small drops of blood on the ground as they
put them in the van.

“Roger that,
dahlin,” Jo said as she, Sandy and Dominique took their guns and made their way
down to the end of the corridor, Jo shining a torch round as they made their
way into the darkness.

“Can you hear
anything,” Sandy whispered as they looked along.Dominique shook her head – and then suddenly
fired two shots into the darkness as Sandy and Jo moved to the sides.There was a grunt, and then a spark of
electricity as they saw a man fall onto the live rail.

“Is the train
on the way?”

“An hour out –
why?”

“Cut the power
for five minutes,” Dominique said as they walked forward, and turned over the
two men they found.

“Yeah, she
knows,” Dominique said quietly, “Blue One, we need to start the contingency
plan for the underground station once the train arrives.”

“Understood –
all Red units, be on the alert.”

“What was it?”

“A couple of
strays, I think,” Dom said as they came back, “but let’s redouble the
efforts.Giving everything so far, I
want us to be ready to move as soon as the train gets here.”

Trafalgar Square

They came in
groups of two or three, walking casually, not drawing attention to themselves
amongst the crowds heading home, but steadily they converged outside the
National Gallery, falling silent as Tamiko Tanaka stood in front of them.

“So,” she said
quietly, “we know that our – friends – are in the process of taking possession
of a large source of funding lost to our family for many years.Our task is simple – we need to recover what
is rightfully ours, but it will not be easy, and we have no idea of the exact
location of the source, or of how long they have been working.

“We will split
into three groups – one group remains above ground, to remain alert, to be
ready if any of these people emerge.The
second group will travel to a place where we have information that the transfer
of these funds may take place.The third
group will enter the tunnels where the exact location is, and search for those
who would take this from us.

“My father, the
Oyaban, has given his blessing for this endeavour, and will reward those who
succeed.Go and serve well.”

“Gold One, this
is Red One.”

“Go ahead
Natalya,” Shirley said as the Underground train slowly pulled into the
platform.

“Company is
coming, I repeat Company is coming – we will try to stop as many as possible,
but…”

“Understood –
likely entry point?”

“I think the
sewer entrance – some heading that way now.”

“Converge units
there – we will be ready down here.”

Looking round,
she said “how are we doing?”

“Last of the
gold bars going on the palettes now,” Juliette called back.

“Right – get
them loaded as quickly and safely as possible.Gold Two – take half of us and take up defence positions.”

“Blue One, cut
the power to the third rail on our mark.”

“Why, Gold
Two?”

“Surprise…”

"Okay Red
teams, let's try and do this with the minimum of actual noise," Natalya
spoke quietly over the com as she saw the group gather.

"Sounds
reasonable to me," Helen replied, "I think most of us know very
well how to do our killing without resorting to guns."

"Just make
sure the cleaners are ready to come in and get rid of the trash." JD
added.

“We’re standing
by,” Daffy said over the earpiece, “ready to come in on your mark.”

As the group
walked past Waterstones, one of the black clad men said "Do we know how
many of the enemy there are Mistress Tanaka?"

"No, but
given the number of operatives that Madame can call upon in this city, we must
assume that we will be outnumbered, and plan accordingly."

"Yes."

"It will
not be easy, we will be fighting on their territory on their own terrain."

"You think
they will try and pick us off one by one Mistress?" another man asked.

"I think we can safely say that, so all of you keep contact with each
other, if any of you get separated it is safe to say that you will very soon be
dead."

"All red
teams," Charlotte's voice was heard across the net, "try and keep
'civilian' casualties to a minimum please, but if you do have to take out
innocents then don't be afraid to do so."

"Understood
Blue One," a number of voices replied.

"Are you
going to be okay Devil Fish?" Jayne whispered.

"Yes, I'd
hoped I'd given this up, but just for one night I will do my duty,"
Francesca smiled grimly.

"Well you
haven't had time to let your skills get rusty," Jayne smiled as Francesca
pulled a large bladed knife out of its scabbard.

“No – you?”

“Much as I
prefer the silent approach,” Jayne said quietly, “I do know how to use
this.”She produced a thin stiletto and
moved it with ease, Francesca nodding.

"So while
we deal with our Japanese friends, any news on the Russian connections?"
Dominique asked Juliette.

"Negative."

"So are we
assuming that they will stay well clear?"

"We are
hoping so...Anyway have you briefed those manning the inner perimeter?"

"I
have," Dom nodded, "they get down here and they will regret they
did."

As Richard
drove the train along the line, Miss Lynx covering him, he was surprised to see
armed and masked women in the alcoves along the line.

He nodded a she
came to a halt at the platform, opening the doors before he was bound and
gagged.

“We expecting
company,” Diana said as she got out.

“We are – let’s
do this.Start loading!”

"Just
remember darling, breaking a man’s neck is the quietest way of killing."
Kylie smiled at Marina.

"I know
kiddo." Marina chuckled. "This can be good as well though," she
played with the cheese cutting wire, stretched between two handles she held in
her hands.

"True
darling." Kylie checked the gun she carried as well. "Are you locked
and loaded?"

“I am – let’s
go to work.”

The Aldwych

"Anything
from our friends in blue?"

"No
Charlotte,” Amanda said, “I'm monitoring all frequencies."

"Well if
this is done correctly then the police should hopefully never even be aware
that a battle has taken place," the Hand drawled in her slow, sexy, voice.

"Be ready
at my command to work the traffic lights so as to keep any traffic out of the
combat zone." Charlotte spoke again, "we've done it a couple of times
in practice, just remember that this however is the real thing."

"Understood,"
the girls manning the desks replied as one.

Charlotte
watched as the group turned onto Whitehall.“Right – execute.”

"Charlotte,”
the Hand purred, “we also need to take over all security cameras so that there
is no visible evidence as to what is about to happen."

"Ladies
you heard the Hand."

"We are on
top of it."

"Good,"
Charlotte smiled.

Whitehall

"Tanaka
has learned some lessons I see," Natalya spoke softly as she hid in the
shadows, "she's realised that we can easily pick off stragglers and she's
keeping them tightly together."

"I'd
noticed Red One," Jayne responded, "are we still going to try do this
without it turning into a pitched battle?"

"Those are
our orders...We need to somehow split them up a little...Anyone have
ideas?"

"They look
jumpy as hell to me," Francesca spoke, "perhaps we need to work the
old strange noise in a side street trick to draw some away?"

"Well it's
worth a try," Natalya spoke, "if only to see how they react."

“On it,” Marina
said as she and Kylie slipped away…

"Where are
the cars Mistress Tanaka?" one of her henchmen asked. "I know it is
after midnight, but there should still be some."

"It looks
like Madame is clearing the field to avoid innocent casualties."

"She has
the power to do that?"

"Yes, one
should never underestimate Madame's capabilities." Tamiko smiled, "we
will play out this game in anonymity it seems."

“Is that
allowed?”

“Many of the
great works are done quietly,” Tamiko said as she heard the rubbish cans
rattle.“You four – go, see who it is.”

Four men nodded
as they walked into the side alley, looking round and wondering what to do
next.As the first two walked on, the
other two watched – and then their eyes went blank as Kylie twisted the head of
one, and Marina pulled the cheese wire round the throat of the other.

“It looks like
it was a cat Kito.”

“Kito…”

The last thing
he heard was the gurgle of his own breath escaping from his windpipe as Kylie
drew the blade through it…

The Aldwych

"Charlotte
dear, is that coding I created to enable us to cut power and turn the lights
out operative?"

"It is
Hand."

"Good...Warn
Red teams to have their night vision ready to use on our signal."

"I'm on
it." Charlotte nodded.

"Let us
see how well Miss Tanaka has prepared for this, and if she has foreseen this
action on our part."

Looking at the
screen, she smiled as she said “now.”

Whitehall

“What the…”

“Remain calm,”
Tamiko said as the street was plunged into darkness, “and keep together.”

She did not
notice the people at the back of the crew as the fell to the blades that were
driven into their hearts, Helen, Francesca and Jayne moving silently and at
random.

"How can
they be so cool and calm about what they are about to do?" Beverley asked
Tracey as they sat with Lily and a couple of other girls in one of the spare
vans.

"Because
they've been trained to do it I guess."

“When I go to
‘Ong Kong…”

Trace looked at
Bev and said nothing.

"Just
remember you own training girls," Lily said as she turned round,
"whichever gap or emergency we are called upon to plug tonight remember
that we are the fire-women and that we have to be prepared to do
anything...including killing."

"We
know," Tracey smiled grimly.

Under Whitehall

"Keep
moving that gold ladies," Penny spoke sharply as she watched some of the
workers stop to listen to the com traffic, "let others do their jobs, and
let us do ours."

"Understood,"
Eleanor smiled under her mask.

"What
about the security on the various ministries, etc?"

"We are
hoping that we can keep this very confined so they never even notice."
Shirley answered.

"Not going
to be easy." Eleanor shook her head.

"We know,
but the death dealers have been briefed to deal with neutral intruders with
maximum prejudice if they need to."

“Let us pray
that works – we’re close enough to some serious ministries here to brign some
heavy firepower down on us…”

"Ladies on
guard, I'll give you the maximum warning I can if they penetrate
underground," they all heard Doc's voice in their earpieces.

"We'd
appreciate that," Jan replied as she looked down the line.

Acton

"Sir,"
Jenny spoke in a soft whisper as they looked onto the siding, "those
useless bastards at London Underground just got back to me, the driver turned
up for his shift, and just like last night they've lost track of the train."

"Okay it
means it still is going down tonight," Mike smiled, "keep your eyes
peeled."

"Yes
Sir.Should we get back up here?”

“Not yet – just
in case,” Mike said as they hid behind the low dyke.

“Well?"
the woman in grey with the doll mask asked as they looked out from the driver’s
seat of the van.

"The cops
aren't here in much force," the other grey clad woman answered. "They
are watching for developments, and we are watching them."

The Babbage home

"So, Aggie…
I read the piece in the Sunday Times," Karin sipped her tea, "I have
to say I wish you had told me most of that twenty years ago."

"Well you
never cut me out totally Karin, at least like Sherry you did maintain some
contact."

"I just
wish other people might have listened to me."g

"You did
your best, but you are dealing with some deep set prejudices."

"Well I
was happy to say yes when the girls from the Ash contacted me about restoring
your life membership."

"Thank you
Karin," Aggie wiped away a tear, "I have to say them coming to see me
meant an awful lot."

"Good,"
Karin smiled.

"Will you
be over next year for the big reunion Karin?" Sherry asked.

"I'm
planning on it."

"I'm just
hoping I'll get an invite." Aggie spoke quietly. "No one from
Somerville or the university has contacted me as of yet."

"My last
ever I hope," Francesca whispered to herself as she plunged her knife
downwards through the Japanese woman's neck severing her spinal cord."May your gods accept you into your
heaven." she prayed for her victim as she lowered her to the ground.

"Done?"
Jayne asked.

"Yes,"
Francesca nodded.

"Cleaners
we need you in Great Scotland Yard," Jayne whispered into her
com..."two to go."

“Acknowledged,”
the voice said, “team is on their way.”

Acton

The grey clad
woman felt the nudge, and looked over as two lorries pulled up, their
headlights dimmed.

“One of you, go
and check them out,” she said, watching as the rear door of their van opened
and closed.When that was repeated a few
minutes later, she said “well?”

“Full of
Japanese – and they look armed for bear.”

“Dammit, Aggie,
what have you got us into…”

"There are
a couple of heavy lorries parked that way Sir," Tom pointed, "looked
like they are waiting for something just as we are."

"Alright,"
Mike spoke softly.

Whitehall

“This was the
spot?”

“Yes mistress,”
the man said as Tamiko looked at the entrance to the sewer.She then turned, her eyes widening slightly
as she did so.

“It would
appear we were expected – we have lost a few already.”

Looking round,
the man said “indeed – we are probably already surrounded.”

“Well, this
appears to be an invitation – open it.”

Two men walked
forward and removed the manhole cover, Tamiko turning quickly as she heard four
muffled groans behind her.

“They move and
strike in the dark – everyone, down – NOW!”

Under Whitehall

“Move it, move
it,” Penny shouted out as she supervised the loading of the last of the
pallets, while Doc listened on the headphones.

“Roger that Red
One, we have it from here,” she said eventually.“Blue One, they’ve come underground.Cleaning crew needs to do their work
upstairs.”

“They’re on it,
Gold Twenty.How many?”

“They reckon
they halved the forces – upstairs?”

“Still some
round Trafalgar Square, but you’re not going to get out that way now.You need escape route D – transport will be
standing by.”

Doc looked
round and said “copy that – kill the power and await word from Gold One.”

“Power off –
Goddess grant you all victory.”

“Acknowledged,”
Doc said as she looked at the train, and heard the scurrying of feet.“Second line – incoming.”

“Acknowledged –
keep working,” Dominique said as she looked down the tunnel, and saw the
lights.“Advance team – you know what to
do?”

“Affirmed,”
Eleanor said as she looked at Janice and Katy, both looking grim as they primed
their guns.They stood back in the
shadows, watching as the party walked quietly past.

“Y’all ready,”
Jo whispered as she stood with a group of Madame’s people, all of them nodding
as they stood in waiting as well.

The Aldwych

“Damn.”

“What’s wrong,”
Charlotte said as she looked at The Hand.

“The
possibility we identified has become an actuality,” she purred.“Send the rapid response team to the loading
point – company has arrived.”

Nodding,
Charlotte looked at the screen.“Lily –
head to the coordinates I sent you.And
get the big guns ready.”

“On our way,”
Lily said as one of her team patted a large wooden box.

Under Whitehall

There was a
silence in the tunnel, but Tamiko could hear noise and see the light ahead, as
she walked along, ignoring the rats that were scurrying away.Her focus was clear, her purpose noble…

“NOW!”

As she heard
the shouts, she threw herself face down, the gunfire over her head as she heard
her group attempt to return fire.She
could hear the bullets flying at them from at least three different directions,
and she had to admire the planning that had gone into this.Trapping them from the sides and behind told
her Madame X had anticipated and prepared for this eventuality.

She looked to
her side as one of her men fell and looked at her, his eyes lifeless and
staring, before she heard a strong female voice say “CEASE FIRE!”There was the sound of running footsteps, and
then a cackle as she smelt the burning.

“Remain down,
Lady Tanaka,” she heard the voice say quietly above her, “we have restored
power to the third rail, and have no desire to see a member of one of the Great
Houses meet her end in this manner.”

“I understand –
they died with honour serving our house.”

“And we will
treat them with honour – stand, hands raised where we can all see them.”

As Tamiko
slowly stood up, she looked round, nodding as she said “I mourn their passing,
may I know who I speak with?”She looked
at the group of masked women, different heights, different builds, but all with
a determined look in their eyes as they held the guns in their hands.

“Welcome,
Tamiko,” the masked woman said in a voice she recognised as Madame X, “I
apologise for the misdirection, and mourn the loss of so many of your people.”

Nodding, Tamiko
said “I also mourn them, but I congratulate you on your plan.So, it was the Manchurian gold?”She looked at the last palette as it was
loaded onto the train, and one masked woman looked at her, her head cocked to
one side.“Is there something you wish
to say?”

“No,” Miss Lynx
said with a smile, “Not on this day.”

“So what are
your intentions towards me?”

“Honourable –
you will not die at our hands today, and the bodies of your men and women are
even now been prepared for a return with you.I am sure you will wish to see them properly honoured in their
homeland.”

Tamiko smiled
as she said “you think you have won?”

“Ah – you refer
to the ships?I am afraid they will not
be fulfilling your contract – we have compensated them for their loss.”

“You have
indeed thought of everything.”

“Indeed – Gold
Ten, are we ready to move?”

“We are,” Penny
said as Miss Lynx and Miss Leopard went to the driver’s cab.

“Move out, and
good luck.The team?”

“Move out,”
Penny called out as several of the armed women picked up guns and boarded the
train, Tamiko watching as it moved off.“May I pay my respects?” she asked quietly.

“This way,”
Dominique said as she and Eleanor escorted Tamiko to the now empty room, the
Japanese Yakusa bowing her head as she looked in.

“This is
technically a war grave,” she finally said.

“And it will be
treated as such – nobody else will visit here again after we leave.For now, come with us.”

Saturday 16th July

2 am BST

Acton

“Boss,” Jenny
said as she tapped Mike on the shoulder, and he saw a fleet of trucks arrive
through the gates from the main road.

“Good god, it
is going down – radio it in.”

“Boss?”

Mike looked up
to see the three grey clad women in front of them, the white full face masks
the only thing that they could see clearly as they stood in front of them,
pistols pointed at the three police officers.

One of the
Dolls cocked her head to the side, before all three raised their guns and
pointed them directly at the three officers.

“You’re here to
prevent us interfering, aren’t you?”

All three
nodded as their masked faces stared at the three officers, and a final truck
drove in, parking near the two trucks that had arrived earlier.Mike watched as Chinese workers got out and
started to move along the siding, and then saw the flaps at the back of the
first two trucks open.

The last truck
opened at the side as six masked and armed women walked quickly out and to the
trucks, opening fire with their silenced weapons as the bullets ripped into the
sides and back of the trucks.The
drivers jumped out, only to be cut down as well, before the armed women walked
to talk to one of the Chinese arrivals.

“My god,” Jenny
said quietly, “they cut them down as if they were animals.”

Mike stared at
the three masked women, who just looked back and shook their heads from side to
side.

“It isn’t a
legend, is it?Someone has found the
Manchurian gold?”

There was no
answer, as they heard a train approaching, the lights on as it came to a stop
and the doors opened.The Chinese teams
moved out, as masked women jumped out of the train and covered the workers.

“How was it,”
Catherine asked as Diana came over.

“We were
discovered – they were not successful.”

“On our side?”

“Some wounded,
but thank the Goddess no fatalities.There was a fight though, and I anticipate some news leaking tomorrow.”

“Good,” Madame
said as Eleanor and Juliette opened a set of metal doors, and the group emerged
onto the dark road, walking quickly across and boarding the boat that was
moored to the pier.Within ten minutes,
they were all aboard, Doc making sure the cases with the monitoring equipment
were safely stored.

“All accounted
for?”

As Sandy
nodded, a set of vans drew up, blue clad teams walking into the tunnel.

“I invite you
to be our guest for the rest of today, Tamiko,” Madame said quietly, “I have
arranged a charter flight for you and your fallen tonight.I also have something for you – it is not the
gold, but I believe it will be of import to you.”

“I accept your
hospitality.My father will appreciate
it.”

“I have no wish
for war between our organizations, despite all that has happened,” Madame said
as the boat moved off…

Acton

“Go,” Catherine
said as the last truck drove off, and two of the masked women walked towards
where the Dolls were covering the three police officers.

“Detective
Chief Inspector Babbage?”

Mike looked at
them, before he said “what happened here?”

“We assisted in
the recovery of items that belonged to the people of Manchuria, and was
rightfully theirs.The – others – sought
to deny them that right, and would have killed us – as well as you and any
other officers you called in.”

“Are you…Are you telling me they were protecting us?”

“We are,” the
woman said as the Dolls nodded in unison.“Allow us time to get the train away from here, and then they may take
whatever action they feel necessary.”

Mike watched as
the masked women got on the train, and it moved off, the Dolls watching him and
his colleagues as the lights faded into the distance, and then walking
backwards, fading into the darkness as the three of them watched.

“Boss,” Tom
just said, “what the hell happened here tonight?”

“I don’t know –
yet,” Mike said as he stood up, “Jenny, get some back up here now – do not
approach until they get here.Tom - with
me.”

The two men ran
to Mike’s car, only to stop as they saw the slashed tyres, Mike shaking his
head and laughing.

“Boss?”

“We have been
witness part of the heist of the century, Tom – you’ve got to admire whoever
planned this.”

3.30 am BST

Earl’s Court

Lillie Bridge Depot

As the train
came back into the shed, Richard cut the power, and said “what now – are you
going to kill me?”

“No,” Miss Lynx
said with a smile, “you are about to become a national hero, Mister Norman.”

“My family?”

His eyes
suddenly closed as he was hit by Miss Leopard, the two women binding and
gagging him before they carried him into the main office.

“HMMGDDRSHRDDD!”

“Your
fuckmeister is fine,” Miss Leopard growled as he was placed next to his family,
the other two families watching over the bands of silver tape that were wrapped
tightly round the lower parts of their faces, their arms and legs secured.

“Enjoy the rest
of the night,” Miss Lynx said as she sprayed gas into the faces of all of them,
their eyes closing as they left the room.

“You were very
restrained?”

“Oh I had my
fun earlier,” Miss Lynx said quietly, “and I am a bit sore…”

4.30 am BST

Lowestoft Docks

“I do not like
the change,” the captain of the freighter said, “but they have paid well.”

“Indeed,”
Viktor said as he saw the approaching headlights.“And a shorter journey.”

“There is
that,” he said as the first truck stopped, and Catherine got out with
Penny.“Weasel – all is ready?”

“It is,” he
said with a smile as crews attached the wires to the first truck, and it was
lifted on board.

“Good – you do
not wish the Honoured Fathers to be angry with you, do you?”

Viktor shook
his head as he said “I am glad the unfortunate misunderstanding could be
cleared up.”

“Let us hope it
is – permanently…”

5 am BST

Xavier International, The Aldwych

“Thank you,
Catherine – and may the Goddess grant the ships her blessing.”

Shirley put the
phone down as she looked at Natalya, Juliette and Charlotte.

“We did it,”
Charlotte said quietly, “and with minimum casualties.”

“I heard about
the three homeless men – regrettable.I
will arrange a donation.So Juliette –
your last job?”

“No.”

The three women
looked at Juliette as she smiled.“I
could never give up, especially after these last few days – you are right,
Shirley, I cannot retire, but I do need a rest after this.Heather’s talk this afternoon, the final race
tomorrow, then home for a couple of days before flying to Naples on Wednesday
for the wedding on Thursday.”

“I must go and
talk to the Death Dealers, thank them for their work tonight,” Natalya said as
she walked out of the room, Shirley pouring some coffee and passing the cups
round.

“What of Miss
Tanaka?”

“She is at the
farm with Dominique – I will see her safely away later…”

4 pm BST

A private airfield near Warwick

Dominique and
Madame stood with Tamiko, dressed in black, their heads bowed as the black bags
were carried reverentially onto the plane.

“My father
awaits my return – he congratulates you on a well fought campaign,” Tamiko said
as the last bag was taken on.

“I thank him
for his kindness – and in acknowledgement, we have something to return to
you.Louise?”

Tamiko smiled
as Louise walked forward, wearing a black dress and veil, as she said “we wish
to return this to your family.”She
opened the case, Tamiko smiling as she saw the two swords inside.

“My
great-grandfather’s swords – a fitting tribute, and an honour returned.We thank you, Madame - I hope when we next
meet, it is as friends.”

“Indeed – safe
journey,” Madame said as Tamiko was escorted onto the plane, the doors closing
before it taxied to the runway.

“Ama is glad
all went well,” Dominique said, “I am going to give her a huge hug tomorrow.”